Shoppers stock up, just in case

LOCAL grocery stores are stocking up for a long weekend of wild weather and potential flooding as they increase orders and products fly from the shelves.

In preparation for the wild weather people have begun flocking to supermarkets to stock their kitchen cupboards.

Acting Manager at Grafton Mall Coles, Scott Pearce said there had been an increase in foot traffic through his store with daily essentials being the top priority for shoppers preparing for the worst.

"We have had a really big increase in customers lately," Mr Pearce said. "Because of the slight panic that always sets in when reports of wild weather come on and we are expecting it to continue.

"I would say we've had close to a 30% increase in foot traffic over the last day or two."

But Coles is prepared for this increase and has ordered extra stock and is filling the shelves two-fold for its customers.

"The business is on top of it all and we have increased our loads for all products, and almost doubled our loads in fresh areas just in case we don't get stock tomorrow."

"We have been in contact with a person who is directing distribution as well in case we run out and need emergency stock of certain items. We have stocked extra UHT milk and we have also increased local milk supply in case our fresh runs out. We are producing more bread in case the proprietary stock runs out as well."

"There have been contingency plans set in place since first word came from the Bureau of Meteorology and we should trade as usual all weekend for our customers."

IGA Iluka franchisee Jeff Mackenzie has not been inundated with extra customers. "We have had a little extra foot traffic, " Mr Mackenzie said. "We have a substantial amount of stock for the weekend, so there is no need for panic."